Kochi, Jan. 26 -- Among several eminent dignitaries from across the country and the globe tribal who attended the 76th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Sunday was a "tribal king" from the Idukki district of Kerala.

Raman Rajamannan, the king of the Mannan tribal community, and his wife, Binumol, sat in the stands on Kartavya Path as various armed forces and tableaux from government departments, states and Union territories of the country marched in front of them.

While he does not preside over a kingdom, own a palace or possess royal powers, Rajamannan enjoys the position of the chief of the Mannan community, which has around 300 families settled in 48 settlements. The community is located at Kovil mala in Kanchiyar panchayat of Iduk...